Ingredients to Avoid: SLS & SLES

After all the positive feedback I got for the first post in this new Ingredients to Avoid series I knew I better not leave it too long before the next instalment! So, today I want to talk about the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or SLS & SLES as I’ll be referring to them from now on.

Ingredients to Avoid: SLS & SLES

First things first, what are SLS & SLES?

SLS & SLES are detergents and surfactants, meaning they break up the bonds between molecules on the surface of objects. This makes them an effective cleaner, and that’s why they’re so widely used in shampoos, body washes, toothpaste, cleansers, moisturisers, mouthwashes and soaps, as well as in laundry detergents and washing up liquids (they’re also very cheap to produce!). SLS & SLES in products are responsible for the lathering or foaming up of the product, as this is them breaking down those molecules and stripping away the dirt or moisture.

Why is this a problem?

For years there have been rumours that SLES can cause cancer as it can apparently become contaminated with the chemical dioxane, which is a suspected carcinogen. This has not been proven, however even so there are plenty of reasons why I avoid using products that contain both SLS & SLES.

These sulfates are included in products as they are able to effectively strip away dirt and moisture however this results in them being quite harsh on the skin, and are known skin and eye irritants. In fact, in order for skincare companies to test the effectiveness of their products they are known to first irritate the skin with SLS, so I’d rather not be putting it on my face! SLS & SLES also strip away not only surface oils from your hair but the hair’s natural oils as well, which can leave hair dried and more prone to damage.

As well as doing quite the opposite to what we want for our skin and hair, SLS & SLES are also impacting on the environment. Each time we wash our hair, brush our teeth or wash our hands these sulfates are entering our waterways, and they are known to be toxic to fish and other marine life. As with the microbeads, if we can avoid adding these pollutants to our waterways then we really should.

What are the alternatives?

Thankfully, despite the cancer rumours not being substantiated this has spurred lots of companies to re-examine the use of SLS & SLES in their products. They can be known by a whole raft of names, however most products that don’t use them share this quite prominently on their packaging. Look out for ‘sulfate free’ or ‘SLS & SLES free’ on the labels, but always double check the ingredients list if you’re not sure.

Ingredients to Avoid: SLS & SLES

You may find that SLS & SLES free shampoos don’t later up quite as you’re used to, but don’t let that put you off, they will still be cleaning your hair, just in a more gentle manner!

At the moment I’m using My Organics on my hair (thanks to Lady Frankie for the recommendation!), Sukin for my cleanser, facial scrub, moisturiser and body wash and Thankyou for my hand wash. They all do the job perfectly and are free from all kinds of nasties, not just SLS & SLES!

Hopefully this has been helpful! Let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like me to research for my next ingredients to avoid instalment!

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4 Comments on Ingredients to Avoid: SLS & SLES

  1. Tahlia Meredith
    November 19, 2014 at 2:18 pm (9 years ago)

    I recently switched to a sulfate free shampoo because my hair felt really damaged and break-y, and I’d read that my shampoo could be contributing. It’s been about a month now, and I really think it’s healthier now!
    Tahlia Meredith recently posted…Create Your Own Recipe: Meeting the Minimalists

    Reply
    • I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
      November 19, 2014 at 7:36 pm (9 years ago)

      That’s so good to hear! It can take a while for your hair to readjust but it’s definitely worth it!

      Reply
  2. merilyn
    November 20, 2014 at 12:08 pm (9 years ago)

    good info and advice thanks liz!
    definitely trying to eliminate these ingredients! they’ve already played havock health wise, with allergies and possibly cancer links … with nature and the larger environment! … these are a real problem!
    I use sukin and a few other natural washes etc and make my own and dilute! bi carb for many things … make my own deodorant …
    I’m on that band wagon and happy to be! love m:)X

    Reply
    • I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
      November 20, 2014 at 4:06 pm (9 years ago)

      Lovely to have you on the band wagon with me Merilyn! xx

      Reply

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